Durbin, West Virginia sits at an elevation of 2,700 feet in Pocahontas County along the Greenbrier River. The area receives significant rainfall with annual precipitation averaging 58 inches, creating lush forests and reliable water sources for tent camping. Forest Service roads outside Durbin often require high-clearance vehicles due to seasonal weather effects on unpaved surfaces.
What to do
Swimming holes exploration: Little River Dispersed Campsites provides access to natural swimming areas. According to a camper at Little River Dispersed Campsites, "When you park and walk down to the river, if you turn right, there's a beach area about 50 yards down that offers a great spot to take a dip!"
Trail running: The Greenbrier River Trail offers 80 miles of relatively flat terrain for running. A visitor at Greenbrier River Trail MP 69.6 noted, "The Greenbrier River Trail is a converted C&O Railway that travels 80 miles from Cass Railroad Station, Stumptown, WV to North Caldwell, WV. This Rails-to-Trails is wonderfully maintained by WV State Parks."
Explore rock formations: The unique boulders near Bear Heaven Campground provide natural climbing opportunities. A camper wrote, "Right beside the camp ground is a really cool area to explore unique boulders and rock structures. You can either walk through or climb these boulders."
Wildlife observation: Early mornings offer optimal wildlife viewing along waterways. "The Greenbrier River Trail is a delightful bikepacking excursion. The amount of wildlife we saw throughout the day was incredible while biking the trail. Mostly deer, rabbit, chipmunks and Eastern Box Turtles sharing the trail."
What campers like
Creek-side sites: Campers appreciate the sound of flowing water at night. A Little River Dispersed Campsites visitor shared, "I stayed at site 13 last time (which was occupied) but this time at site 9 was just as magical. There's a couple fire rings up by the parking spot, but we chose to set up a little closer to the creek."
Privacy between sites: Many Durbin area campgrounds offer secluded spots. At Bear Heaven Campground, "Sites are wooded and relatively private with basic facilities but no drinking water (bring treatment methods for the stream)."
Night sky viewing: Minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. "On two occasions, deafening aircraft, possibly military, passed over what seemed like the treetops. It was frightening in the peace of the area, so that's a small heads up. I only saw one other traveler drive by."
Well-maintained facilities: Despite primitive conditions, most sites receive regular upkeep. A visitor to Seven Mile Campground stated, "Each site has a picnic table (nicely shellacked to prevent soggy wood and easily wiped dry), a lantern pole, a fire pit (or in our case a fireplace, a raised tent pad and a wooden sump stand."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to many camping areas require careful driving. A camper at Little River Dispersed Campsites warned, "The road is narrow and you'll need to pull off to the side to let cars pass coming in, and the road is riddled with pot holes and is entirely gravel. Just beware and you'll have a great time!"
Seasonal rainfall: Summer afternoon thunderstorms occur frequently in the area. "In June, you can anticipate random, short afternoon or evening cloudbursts...but they can be gully-washers. Nights were cool and most mornings I wore a long-sleeve Merino shirt."
Limited cell service: Most tent camping areas near Durbin lack connectivity. "No cell service...phones are useless (unless at the park office area a mile south)."
Distance to amenities: The closest stores for supplies are often in neighboring towns. "If you travel back to U.S. 33 and drive 9.1 miles West you will find the Brandywine General Store on your left. They have kiln dried firewood, ice, bait, and supplies you may have forgot at home."
Tips for camping with families
Tent pad assessment: Gravel tent pads at established sites may require additional padding. At Greenbrier River Trail Milepost 63.8, "Raised Tent pad (pea gravel)" is standard at many sites, which means bringing extra sleeping pads for comfort.
Firewood collection: Forest regulations permit gathering downed wood in certain areas. "You can collect fallen material for fires, and we marched off into the woodlands for a little hike."
Swimming safety: Creek water levels can change rapidly with rainfall. One camper noted, "It rained a lot while we were there but there were ample trees to set up tarps. The creek rose a few inches one night, so keep an eye on it if there's heavy rainfall."
Wildlife education opportunities: The diversity of wildlife creates learning experiences for children. "The WV State Park system is fantastic and the State Park employees take incredible pride in keeping all their parks beautifully maintained despite poor budgets to work with."
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: Most dispersed sites near Durbin can accommodate smaller RVs only. At Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area, "There is a large clearing off of Hidden Valley Rd just past Poor Farm Camp A Rd. that can easily accommodate multiple vehicles with 3 or 4 fire pits."
Road clearance requirements: High-clearance vehicles are necessary for many camping areas. "This first come first served location is ideal for off road adventures. Make sure your rig is equipped, this ain't for rookies!"
Limited RV amenities: No hookups exist at most tent camping areas around Durbin. "Wasn't too hard to get there and park in our van. Peaceful for the most part (a few campers were there). No signal, so make sure you have a map or know which way you came."
Parking surface conditions: Weather impacts parking stability at primitive sites. "It had rained a lot recently, so the driveway into the site got muddy towards the end, causing us to park half way down."
